Jane Mlambo| The cyclone Idai currently ravaging communities was forecast more than two weeks and when it hit Mozambique before Zimbabwe, everyone including government saw and read devastating news of its destruction including unfortunate deaths recorded.
Unlike Cyclone Eline of Japhet, Idai has so far been the worst disaster to hit Zimbabwe. While disasters cannot be avoided, if proper preparations are done, the level of damage and deaths can be mitigated and this is what our government failed to do.
While many have slammed President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s visit to United Arab Emirates when he knew a Cyclone was already on the shores of Zimbabwe, if proper mechanisms were in place, his absence would not have been an issue.
A government arm responsible for disaster management, Civil Protection Unit only became visible when Chimanimani and Chipinge communities were already marooned and isolated after rivers and bridges had flooded.
What Could Have Been Done?
When Cyclone Idai was first reported two weeks ago, the Civil Protection Unit could have gone into Chimanimani and Chipinge areas educating people about the potential effects of the cyclone. While people are usually not keen to move away from their homes, civic education could have helped in such situations.
Government leadership including the President could also have visited those communities to meet up with people and persuade them to take preventive actions, this is in consideration of the fact that he is an influential person by virtue of being a politician.
CPU could also have convened an all stakeholders meeting with other government agencies including the police, army, humanitarian agencies who could have established command centers in disaster areas so that should there be urgent need for support and help, they will be as close as possible to the people. The command center should be well manned by all critical stakeholders while humanitarian agencies could have stocked foodstuffs and medical supplies to attend to any emergencies.
The idea of only reacting when people are already dying without anyone to attend to them is a sad chapter in our nation and cannot be tolerated at all costs.
While no-one has the power to stop a cyclone or any natural disasters, government should not be reactive but proactive to avoid unnecessary loss or lives.
The failure by government to be proactive should force the President to wield the axe and ensure that only those who values human life are thrust at the helm of an important arm like the civil protection unit.